The Week We Ate (The EID Week in Review)

ICYMI:
~Rock City Eatery is now open! They will have a limited menu and hours during their soft opening period, so be patient. Once they're firing at 100% the menu will include items like duck rilette sandwiches, charcoal-grilled beef tongue skewers, pork "fries" with togarashi, and bone marrow fritters, with plenty of vegetarian options like roasted brussels sprouts with Thai basil and smoked tomatoes, and grilled heirloom carrots with fast-pickled apples and goat cheese. [EID]
~Dine Drink Detroit, Ferndale Restaurant Week, Hamtramck Food Week, Revolve Detroit's Art + Retail on the Ave in conjunction with Detroit Design Festival's Light Up Livernois, expanded Detroit Restaurant Week and bunches of new restaurants opening: yeah, this fall kicks all other falls' asses. [EID]
~The Two James Spirits tasting room is now open with limited hours, but you can find their 28 Island Vodka in stores and on the shelves of local favorites like SLOWS BAR BQ, The Sugar House, and Michael Symon's Roast - Detroit. You can also buy bottles directly from the tasting room. [Model D]
~Interested in the growing craft spirits movement happening in metro Detroit? Here I talk in-depth with folks from Valentine Distilling Co., Griffin Claw Brewing Company (GCBC), Two James Spirits and Detroit City Distillery about craft spirits as part of the local foods movement and how recent changes in the laws governing microdistillers have allowed them to flourish. [Metromode]
~Better mark Eastern Market After Dark on your calendar for next year. [EID]

Get your taste of Hamtown with the new Hamtramck Food Week starting today: 10 restaurants with dinners priced at $10 or less and a host of other coordinating events. [Model D]

The new ballroom at COBO Center is now open and it's spectacular. Want to see it for yourself? Sign up for the Crain's Detroit Business House Party this Thursday, which includes an afterparty inside the new ballroom (with strolling dinner and open bar). Registration closes today. [The Detroit Hub / Crain's]

Public House is also now open for all your rock and bao roll needs north of 8 Mile. [Real Detroit]

Ben Hall and Jason Murphy, owners of Russell Street Deli, are opening a new restaurant on the outskirts of Corktown this spring called Lafayette Kitchen and Diner. [Crain's]

Excellent article about a book about supper clubs - The Supper Club Book - and about Detroit's own historic supper club, Cliff Bell's. Join them for Detroit Restaurant Week going on now through September 29. [Detroit News]

Celebrate the Garden Bowl and Lounge's centennial Dude-style on September 28. [Detroit News]

Here is an example of the powers of media being used for good: Bedrock (parent company of Quicken) has dropped the eviction notice against Angelina Italian Bistro after word spread through the media and Bedrock received a good public social media shaming. [Freep]

Yates Cider Mill is 150 years old this year and it's officially CIDER SEASON! [Yates Official]

Crain's Detroit Business takes a look at how area cider mills are diversifying after 2012's apple crop devastation, including a new cider house and winery at Blake's Cider Mill, expanded offerings at Paint Creek Cider Mill, and a brewery, winery, and distillery in the works at Miller's Big Red. [Crain's]

It is now officially fall. And that means pumpkin EVERYTHING - including Pumpkin Pie a la Mode ice cream from Guernsey Farms Dairy. [Guernsey Official]

Here's why the annual Tour de Troit is more than just a bike ride. If you missed it this year, better mark that one on your calendar for next year too. [Model D]

Beerie
~This video from Founder's should give you an attack of the eye-watering "allergies."

~Speaking of Founders Brewing Co., Thrillist named the best breweries in each state and Founders was named the best in Michigan. [Thrillist]

~On their search for Michigan's best brewery, MLive paid a visit to Warren's newest brewery Falling Down Beer Co. Here's more about it. [MLive]

~Who makes one of the best pumpkin beers in the country according to Complex Magazine? Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, of course! (As is to be expected.) [Complex]

~Detroit Beer Company celebrated their 10-year anniversary this weekend. [DBC FB]

Misc.
~One woman's experience surviving Whole Foods. Namaste. "Next I see the gluten-free section filled with crackers and bread made from various wheat-substitutes such as cardboard and sawdust. I skip this isle because I'm not rich enough to have dietary restrictions." [HuffPo]

~I want to hang out with these kids. [Death + Taxes]

~Chipotle Mexican Grill wins. [Gawker]

[944 Detroit] Detroit Restaurant Week

This published in April 2011 for the Spring Edition of DRW. View the PDF by clicking here; below is also the restaurant listings and featured segments from the article. (This was for spring but is also a nice way for you to ramp up for the forthcoming Fall Edition.)

Detroit Restaurant Week launched in fall 2009 with a concept created by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and produced by Paxahau Event Productions. Since its launch it has attracted more than 85,000 people and generated more than $1.5 million in sales for participating restaurants. Featuring the top restaurants in the area offering three-course menus at a fixed price of $28, it has (re)introduced the community to Detroit’s world-class dining destinations. On April 1 through April 10, the spring edition of Detroit Restaurant Week once again showcases the best of Detroit’s culinary talents.

As Detroit Restaurant Week has grown, it has evolved from one season to the next.  For this fourth promotion, DRW is excited to introduce Angelina Italian Bistro into the fold of participating restaurants.

“We had talked to them a few years ago when they first opened and wanted to give them some time to find their way in the marketplace and cement their footing in Detroit,” explains Jason Huvaere, President and co-founder of Paxahau Event Productions. “We’re looking forward to their participation and are really excited to see what they come up with.”

Also new this time around is a sponsorship by Quicken Loans.

“Quicken has been a part of downtown culture for awhile now,” Huvaere states.

“We presented them with the opportunity to get involved with and support DRW and they came in with guns blazing!”

They will provide coverage of Restaurant Week on their “Destination 313” program on WJR, as well as continue to promote the event and the restaurants to their downtown employees, who are within walking distance of many of the participating restaurants.

“As Detroit Restaurant Week continues to grow we want people who work down here to enjoy these restaurants after work,” Huvaere adds, noting that Quicken is committed to promoting these businesses not just during DRW but year-round, in keeping with DRW’s greater goal of presenting these restaurants as places to go not just during the promotion and not only for special occasions but also for dinner and drinks after work, or just because.

Click through for the complete restaurant listings.

Model D: Downtown Pizza Makers Go Gourmet

Featured this week in Model D:

"Metro Detroiters are familiar with Detroit mainstay pizzerias like Buddy's and Pizza Papalis, and let's be honest: the $5.00 Hot-n-Readys from Little Caesar's are a great friggin' deal. But in the last year, Detroit pizza has taken on a new identity -- one that doesn't emphasize the fast-and-cheap so much as taste and quality. (GQ even noticed, naming us the No. 3 pizza town in the country.) We've seen an upswing of new pizzerias that cater to the pizza lover with a discriminating palate, and die-hard pizza aficionados couldn't be happier..."

(Read the rest of the story by yours truly here.)

Upcoming Dining Events

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Friday, May 8th-Sunday, May 10th: 12 Angry Men and Dinner at D’Amato’s

"TWELVE ANGRY MEN" AT ROYAL OAK'S STAGECRAFTERS THEATRE AND DINNER (OR BRUNCH) AT D'AMATO'S

Package Includes 2 Really Good Seats at the Theatre and Select Dinner or Brunch Menus - $60.00 All Inclusive

WE ARE HONORED TO TEAM UP WITH THIS CULTURAL GEM AND RENOWNED PLAYHOUSE, RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM US IN DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK.

Choose from one of the following dates:
1. Friday, May 8, 2009 - 6:30pm Dinner Reservation, 8:00pm show at Stagecrafters
2. Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 6:30pm Dinner Reservation, 8:00pm show at Stagecrafters
3. Sunday, May 10, 2009 - Brunch at D'Amato's, 2:00 Show at Stagecrafters

PACKAGES MUST BE PURCHASED AT D'AMATO'S AND MUST BE PURCHASED ON OR BEFORE MAY 1,
DINNER CHOICES INCLUDE:

FIRST: SOUP OR SALAD

SECOND (CHOICE OF) :
NAPOLATANA PASTA, CAVATAPPI PASTA, PIZZA MARGHERITA , CRAB CAKE, CHICKEN MARSALA, LEMON CHICKEN

BRUNCH OPTIONS: INCLUDES FULL MENU

Stagecrafters' Baldwin Theatre is at 415 S. Lafayette- or go online to www.stagecrafters.org
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DON'T FORGET MOM MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH -
MAY 10, 2009 Make Your Reservations Now Enjoy Our Classic Brunch & Lunch Buffet, Omelette Station, Deserts and More.
$26.00 Adults $7.00 Children

Where: D’Amato’s, Royal Oak
When: See schedule above
Tix: $60.00 per package (for two), all-inclusive
www.stagecrafters.org

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Friday, May 8th: Rotary’s 7th Annual Wine Tasting at the Reserve

Birmingham Rotary’s 7th annual wine tasting fundraiser will be hosted at the Reserve in Birmingham on Eaton Street on Friday, May 8 from 6pm to 11pm.
The event will feature special premium wines and a 50/50 raffle. The evening includes generous strolling hors du voures and desserts.
Three non-profit charities will benefit from this years event including, Childhelp, Orchards Children’s Services and the International Rotary Project.

Where: The Reserve at Big Rock Chophouse, Birmingham
When: 6:00PM-11:00PM
Tix: $50.00
www.birminghamrotary.com

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Saturday, May 9th: Rock ‘N Roll “Amplified” Wine Tasting at Scores

An “Amplified” wine tasting. Making wine more accessible, less pretentious, and more fun by pairing it with live music in interesting venues. On Saturday, May 9th, Rock ‘n Roll Wine gets rockin' at Scores Bar & Grill in Farmington Hills.

Local rockers The Violators will be providing the live entertainment. Recently, they were named as one of Michigan's best cover bands by Doug-FM. They will be paired with a brand-new mix of unusual and interesting wines from around the world.

A $25 advance ticket covers all of your music and wine. The cost goes up to $30 the day of the show. First pour is at 7:00pm, live music begins shortly thereafter.

Where: Scores Bar & Grill, Farmington Hills
When: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $25.00 advance/$30.00 at the door
www.rnrwine.com

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Sunday, May 10th: Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch with Marcus Belgrave at Bert’s Theatre
[NOTE: There will be a separate Mother's Day brunch post forthcoming]

Detroit Jazz Musicians Co-Op, Inc, is pleased to announce MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH – at Bert’s Historic Eastern Market!!. Join Detroit jazz luminaries, Marcus Belgrave, Joan Belgrave and Charlie Gabriel, as they celebrate Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10, 2009. The festivities begin at 2:00pm at Bert’s Entertainment Complex, 2739 Russell Street , in the historic Eastern Market (Hastings Room). TREAT YOUR MOTHER & YOURSELF!! Come join in the festivities….blending the signature sounds of Marcus & Joan Belgrave and Charlie Gabriel with time-honored lyricism and emotive classic melodies. – The concert will be video recorded as part of a national record label television project entitled – “Ray Charles – Genius” – to include an interview and performance by Marcus Belgrave… the only surviving member of the original Ray Charles horn section. This is your chance to be part of history! “A Michigan Jazz Master and Detroit jazz guru.., Marcus Belgrave,” says Destination Jazz host and longtime WDET personality, Ed Love. Sunday’s live performance includes Marion Hayden (Bass), Bill Meyer (piano), & Gayelynn McKinney (drums). - Also to appear a special guest Mother’s Day Performance ensemble… Detroit Jazz…. The next generation…

Recently named Jazz Master Laureate for the City of Detroit, Marcus Belgrave spent many years on the road with Ray Charles and Charles Mingus, among others; while Gabriel, a fourth generation New Orleans jazz musician, & current member of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, brings deep and historical roots to the music. Classically trained and nurtured in the Baptist church tradition, Joan Belgrave soars confidently through lyrics set forth by some of the great Divas of jazz, while making them uniquely her own.

Admission is $25, - or $40 for ( 2) and includes live performance, and a Soulful Brunch Tickets are available at the door the day of the event. Doors open at 1:30. For event information call M. Walden : 313.393-3299 or Bert’s Market Place 313-567-2030 or visit www.bertsentertainment.com. For Media Information, contact M. Walden at 313.393-3299

Where: Bert’s Theatre, Detroit
When: Doors 1:30PM
Tix: $25.00 single, $40.00 for two
www.bertsentertainment.com

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Monday, May 11th: Luciano’s Wine Dinner at Luciano’s in Clinton Twp.

Great wine begins in the vineyard! Airfield Winery is the largest producer of wine grapes in Washington state, totaling over 850 acres of vineyards. Some of these vineyards are amongst the best in the state. The vineyard is located at the foot of Rattlesnake Mountains in the Yakima Valley. All of the vineyard blocks are situated within a 3 mile radius of the orifinal WWII airbase. These are World Class wines with the write up and the medals to prove it.

The incredible menu follows:
Airfield Chardonnay served with Calamari and Shrimp Ai Ferri - grilled shrimp topped with an oil/herb vinaigrette.

Airfield Cabernet served with Eggplant and Ricotta - fried eggplant stuffed with our ricotta and topped with a ripe red tomato, basil and garlic sauce.

Airfield Bombshell served with Rigatoni and fresh tomato, basil and garlic sauce - This sauce is lighter then the eggplant sauce and Luciano puts his own special touch on this one.

Airfield Merlot served with Barbeque Short Ribs - Barbeque sauce is Lucianos special recipe with a splash of orange zest served along side pan-fried potatoes and onions.

Airfield Merlot served with Cotelettes - N.Y.steak cut very thin, breaded and pan fried served with ammoghio sauce on the side (which is a fresh tomato, garlic and basil sauce). Served with pan fried potatoes and onions.

Airfield Riesling - Rosa's Homemade Cheesecake and Cannoli

This menu is specially made by Luciano himself freshly made daily, so please know that Luciano is showing off his hard work and great Italian cooking. He takes a lot of pride in serving his customers quality!

Monday, May 11, 2009, starting at 6:30 pm
45$ Per Person - Call TODAY, limited seating.

Where: Luciano’s (on Garfield Rd.), Clinton Twp.
When: 6:30PM
Tix: $45.00
www.eagleeyeimports.com

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Tuesday, May 12th: World Wine Tour: South America at Angelina Italian Bistro

Our Wine Dinner series continues with "Exploring South America". Executive Chef Joel Vassallo and Angelina's Wine Buyer Ericia Bartels invite you to "Exploring South America", a culinary journey that explores the traditional fare of five regions: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina. Each course is artfully paired with a complementing libation.

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Time: 6:00 p.m. Seating and a glass of Torrontes (to wet the appetite!)
6:30 p.m. Dinner

MARQUES de CASA CONCHA 2006 CHARDONNAY
BRAZIL STUFFED BANANA LEAF - Carmelized Plantain / Roasted Brazil Nuts


CASILLERO del DIABLO CARMENERE
COLOMBIA CHICKEN PAELLA - Chorizo Sausage / Saffron Rice / Red Bell Peppers


TRIVENTO “GOLDEN RESERVE” MALBEC
CHILE PAN SEARED CHILEAN SEA BASS - Sofrito Rice / Cucumber Salad


COYAM “SUPER CHILEAN”
PERU ROASTED WILD BOAR LOIN - Peruvian Purple Potato / Green Beans / Natural Jus


LATE HARVEST SAUVIGNON BLANC
ARGENTINA FLAN

Where: Angelina Italian Bistro, Detroit
When: 6:00PM
Tix: $55.00
Reservations required by May 8th; call 313-962-1355
www.angelinadetroit.com

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Tuesday, May 12th: Toscana Wine Dinner at Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro

Assaggi Welcomes Elena Capobianco representing the wines of Tenuta Sette Ponti and Feudi Macari Featuring the Famous and acclaimed " ORENO " 2006 (96 Points) Join us for an amazing 4 courses with these great wines ....

Where: Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro, Ferndale
When: 6:30PM-11:30PM
Tix: $115.00
www.assaggibistro.com

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Wednesday, May 13th: Deals & Meals Luncheon Series at Fleming’s Prime

The Woodward Avenue Action Association presents the Deals & Meals Luncheon Series; Business Warfare, Attracting & Retaining Clients in a Volatile Economy. In these tough economic times, maintaining and increasing your business can be tougher than ever. Now is the time to stop accidentally giving free consultations, get unique with your product and get to no quickly.

Join us on Wednesday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse for a lunch and learning session with the award winning sales trainer, Daniel Ottney from Gerry Weinberg & Associates, hosted by dBusiness editor-in-chief R.J King. Nationally noted at your best kept secret sales weapon, Ottney will give invaluable lessons to make you and your sales staff stronger no matter what your business is. Whether you deal in services, goods, government and more you will walk away with newfound knowledge of how to be an effective and successful salesperson.

Tickets are $35 for WA3 members and $50 for non-members.This event is sponsored by dBusiness Magazine and Allied Printing. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.woodwardavenue.org or contact Nicole Brown, Outreach and Promotions Coordinator at 248-288-2004.

Where: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Birmingham
When: 11:00AM-1:30PM
Tix: $35.00 for member of WA3, $50.00 non-members
www.woodwardavenue.org

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Wednesday, May 13th: 3rd Annual DSO deCanted

The very popular DSO deCanted, a wine tasting and auction, sponsored by the Volunteer Council of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will be held at the Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Avenue, Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. From 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, friends and supporters of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will enjoy sampling an outstanding selection of wines from Argentina that will be expertly paired with an array of savory hors d’oeuvres. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to nurture their love of fine and unusual wines by bidding on any number of exceptional wines, some from the personal cellars of serious collectors, along with other unique wine related items. Adding to the evening’s festivities, this year’s feast of fine wine and strolling dinner features a live auction led by WDIV-TV personality, Andrew Humphrey which will begin at 7:15 pm.

Celebrity auctioneer, Andrew Humphrey, promises to energize guests eager to bid on several fun and interesting items during the live auction. An in-store cooking demonstration and wine party for up to 34 people; a “Detroit Experience for Two” providing tickets to the DSO, hotel, dinner and salon gift certificate; and the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the signature sound of the DSO while sitting onstage during a live concert will be available to the highest bidder. All proceeds from both the silent and live auction will benefit the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and its educational and outreach programs.

Where: Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit
When: 6:00PM-8:30PM
Tix: $95.00-$175.00
www.detroitsymphony.com

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Wednesday, May 13th: Wine Dinner with Bob Egelhoff at Roast

A featured wine dinner with Bob Egelhoff, the winemaker of great cult wines such as Axios, David Arthur, and Amizetta. This will be a 6 course dinner with wine pairings. The cost is $150 per person including gratuity. Please RSVP.

Reservations can be made at 313.361.2500.

Where: Roast, Detroit
When: N/A
Tix: $150.00 including tax and gratuity

Angelina Italian Bistro: The Perfect Eye-talian Place for Detroit

As much as I'd love to take credit for that clever little pronunciation pun, I must dutifully concede credit to Supergay Detroit. When Angelina Italian Bistro opened a mere three months ago, amidst a flurry a local buzzers buzzing, I quite frankly didn't know what to expect. I feared another lackluster "Eye"-talian joint with overpriced, mediocre food in an overly trendy, overly self-important atmosphere. Then I ran into Supergay at the Park Bar one night in October, and he raved about it, calling it an "Eye-talian place for Detroit hipsters."

Though I personally would have replaced the term "hipster" (see: shaggy hair, skinny jeans, Converse shoes, always at the Magic Stick) with "scenester" (your everyday semi-affluent+ Detroit know-it-all; spends a lot of time at Park Bar and Proof), the message was the same: I needed to check out Angelina.

And so I did. Once. Twice. Again and again. I liked it so much I spent New Year's Eve there. I returned again for a 50-person supper club last week. I've become familiar with one of the owners, Tom Agosta, as well as servers Vince (whom I knew from Enoteca and Atlas Global Bistro) and Remi (who had an uncanny recollection from a time I went there for lunch back in November). I don't simply enjoy the place; it has become my new favorite Detroit restaurant, not only for the food and drink but for the ambiance and hospitality.


Occupying the space that was once the old Madison Theatre in Grand Circus Park, the restaurant is not only in a prime location in the cultural center of the city, but it is also a rather nostalgic place for many of its patrons who remember seeing films in the old theatre before it closed its doors in 1984 (I've heard stories of first dates and first cinema experiences from a number of fellow diners happily reminiscing). The space sat empty for many years but, after some by-no-means minor difficulties, the current owners were able to secure this prime property and transformed it into the casually chic, inviting dining spot in the epicenter of Detroit's social scene. All that remains of the Madison Theatre is the marquis, which now boasts the name "Angelina." And Detroit should be happy to have it.

Even in these trying economic times, there have been no shortages of restaurants opening in the city recently. Each offer their own unique vision and flair, but not all of them really nail the essence of Detroit. Some are truly great, and would be truly great perhaps in another city in another state (Spa 19 24 Grille comes to mind here), or maybe just at another time. But where many of these new places miss the mark, Angelina Italian Bistro gets it right on all counts.

After speaking a little about the business with co-owner Agosta, I learned more about the concept behind the restaurant. Partners Tom and Mike both come from families with grandparents hailing from the Old Country--Sicily, in this case. Both grew up with Grandma in the kitchen making fresh pastas and sauces on a daily basis, and both wanted to bring a little of that home-cooked, authentic Mediterranean flavor to their own restaurant after decades of studying and working in other establishments. Between them they have millions of dollars in restaurant experience, but this is a first venture for both.

They wanted to create a place that would suit Detroit--a place that offers excellent food at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere, where they could share their vision and their skills in a way Detroiters could appreciate. The décor is pure Detroit, with exposed brick walls, exposed airducts in the ceiling, and one wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. It's got that trendy urban loft feel tempered by a spacious, glossy wood bar and soft, warm lighting. And when you do stop by, make sure you ask about the pièce de résistance hanging in the corner, a boldly-colored sculpture of handblown glass.


What Mike and Tom ultimately created was a restaurant that is the right place at the right time for Detroit. Since the day it opened it has attracted crowds of theatre-goers and Detroit social scenesters alike, and it is often crowded to near-capacity around game times, concerts, and other downtown events. It's also in the best location imaginable, being centrally located to all the sports arenas, theatres, concert venues, and other bars and highly visible from Woodward Avenue. The look, the location, the vibe, and the crowd is all right...and so is the food.

Specializing in southern Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, Executive Chef Joel Vassallo has created a menu which highlights the various flavors of the proprietors' families' homeland. Sicilian cuisine is a bit different from the traditional understanding of "Italian" food, and exhibits traces of all of the various cultures that have established roots on the island. It is as much influenced by the mainland as it is by the nearby Greek islands and Arab countries, and thus is also heavy on use of chick peas, kalamata olives, fresh fish, pine nuts, and couscous (all ingredients that appear regularly throughout Angelina's menu). And so it is you'll begin your meal with a generous portion of warm sourdough bread with accompaniments of olive oil, sweet cream butter, and Italian white bean "hummous."


As I've already stated, I've been here a few times, and with each visit I find a new dish to fall in love with. Where do I start? Perhaps with the starters.

The Antipasti menu is a selection of house-smoked and house-cured fish and meats, as well as marinated and pickled vegetables, all served with marinated olives, arugula, whole grain mustard and Pecorino Romano. This is a solid start to any authentic Italian meal, echoing the experience of being served in a small Sicilian eatery in which they don't even allow you menus.

The "Tasting Plates" offer a more common understanding of a four-course meal, with appetizers that speak towards more American appetites. The Bruschetta Trio--with classic tomato basil as well as marinated Portabella mushrooms and toasted chick peas--is a nice sampling of different flavors which represent well the different culinary traditions that inform the menu. There are three different appetizer pizzas to choose from (enough for a meal for one or to share with a group), including the Braised Pork Shoulder Pizza with mushrooms, arugula, and Parmesan Reggiano with classic sauce that I just simply could not resist on my first visit. The pork was tender, the pizza dough itself crispy and cracker-like, which is more similar to the pizza one would find throughout all regions of Italy than the pizza one finds in America.


The Kalamata Pizza, made with kalamata olive tapenade, tomatoes, caramelized onion, and blended cheese is a perfect balance of highly salty and slightly sweet. The real standout here, though, is the Crispy Calamari--calamari steaks cut into strips and lightly breaded and fried, served with a "Carmelo" dipping sauce. The calamari is seasoned to absolute perfection, each bite filled with flavor, which the champagne butter sauce only enhances. I must say, without hesitation, that this is simply the best calamari I've ever tasted, and would recommend this as a must for anyone who dines here.

Angelina offers a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches (lunch only), though all entrees are served with their House Salad, which consists of simple organic field greens, red onions, toasted pine nuts, gorgonzola, and herb vinaigrette dressing. The salad is light and flavorful, a nice second course to ramp up your appetite for the main event. On a casual lunch trip, I found the Italian Panini--made with salami, coppa, mortadella, pepperonata, and buffalo mozzarella--extremely heavy, and would recommend to other lunch diners they stick with the lunch portion of Angelina's house-made fresh pastas.

Pasta--Italian cuisine is nothing without it. The house-made pastas are made fresh from scratch daily in the kitchen--nothing is ever from a box or frozen. The freshness is most obvious is the shapes of the pastas themselves--perhaps a little bumpy, not quite fully even or consistent in shape, the tell-tale signs of a true homemade pasta. The pasta is always prepared to perfection, with a flawless balance of tender yet firm noodles expertly complimented with simple, flavorful homemade sauces and choice ingredients. The classic Parppardelle Bolognese, made with classic meat sauce and Parmesan Reggiano, is a deceptively simple dish that explodes with well-balanced flavor. The pasta here also has its chance to shine, decorated only with a richly flavored meat sauce and cheese accents. It might be the most "boring," but it's my hands-down favorite.

The Little Neck Clam and Linguine is also a fine choice, made with a light olive oil and garlic sauce, pancetta, mushrooms, spinach, and clams in-shell. The clams are cooked well and blessedly free of grit, but again--it is the pasta that shines here, and the strips of salty pancetta add a nice contrast to the bitterness of the clams and spinach and the otherwise mild sauce.


The Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli is soft and pillowy, slightly sweet with a buttery sauce accented with Amaretto, toasted almonds, and rapini.


On another trip I decided to be a little more daring and sampled the Carmelized Onion and Gorgonzola Strucolo I had been eyeing. Served with potato hash, wild mushroom, and grilled fennel and cooked into a crisp, flaky phylo dough, I quickly remembered that I don't much care for onions and realized that a dish with predominant onion flavor might not be the one for me. The cubed potaotes lightly fried in olive oil with garlic in parsley were delicious, though; I wouldn't mind an order of just these for breakfast.

I rarely save room for dessert, but I have sampled several of those at Angelina. The Tiramisu--espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone and cocoa--is classic, though not breaking any new ground. The Apple Tart, with Michigan apples and calvados caramel sauce served with vanilla ice cream, is another classic and done well here, though again, not earth-shattering. A new menu item which just debuted last week is the Cheesecake (made with half ricotta and half cream cheese) in an Orange Anisette sauce, and though the cheesecake was perfectly creamy and decadent, the anisette sauce (with slight hints of black licorice) killed it for me. The Spiced Pumpkin Bread Pudding, made with pumpkin custard and crème anglais, is absolutely wonderful. It is moist and rich, full of comforting autumnal spices like cinammon and nutmeg and cardamon, and the generous dollop of crème anglais is a cold and creamy contrast to the warm and spicy bread pudding it tops.


The wine list at Angelina is modest yet full of handsome choices from all over Italy, Argentina, and even a smattering of Michigan, with most priced very affordably at $35.00 and below (the Solterra Carmenere Reserve is a value at $6.00/glass and $21.00/bottle). They also offer a wide selection of Detroit-brewed craft beers on tap, and carry my very own favorite Young's Double Chocolate Stout by the bottle. The teeny-tiny martini list is a wallop of creative cocktailing: the Guiness Espress Martini is my new favorite drink of choice, made with triple espresso vodka, sweet vanilla, and Guiness, and tastes like heaven in a glass. The GreenTeani tastes like a slightly sweet alcoholic green tea, and no more can be said about that.


Have I tempted your tastebuds yet? Angelina is a perfect destination, whether it be for a night out with friends, cocktails after work, dinner with a date, or drinks before a show. It has the best of everything you could possibly desire in a Detroit dining destination, including location, location, location. I cannot possibly recommend it enough or emphasize just how much I feel that this is the ideal spot for Detroit right here, right now. Service with a smile, friendly and inviting, stylish and contemporary, and with incredible food, Angelina Italian Bistro is The One. The rest are simply what remains.

Angelina Italian Bistro is located at 1565 Broadway, 313-962-1355. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11:00AM-10:00PM; Fri.-Sat. 11:00AM-midnight; Sun. 11:00AM-8:00PM; closed Mondays.

Supper Club at Angelina

Here's a press release for you (shhhhhh...you're the first to know!):

Detroit Synergy’s popular epicurious experience Supper Club is back for the new year with a brand-new restaurant on deck: Angelina Italian Bistro, located at 1565 Broadway in a highly visible location right off Woodward. For the still-low recession-friendly cost of just $30.00 per person (inclusive of tax and tip), participants can enjoy a full four-course meal specially selected for this event. A very nice optional two-glass wine flight is also available for an additional $10.00. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 28th beginning at 6:00PM to take part in experiencing this newly-opened hotspot with 40 or so new friends!

“We are honored to be a part of Detroit Synergy’s Supper Clubs,” says Angelina proprietor Tom Agosta. “I worked with them on one of their first projects back in 1999 and am thrilled that Angelina is getting the spotlight this month.”

Tom has created a mouth-watering menu highlighting the restaurant’s specialty, South Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flare:

~Tasting Plates (served family-style at each table): Bruschetta Trio—tomato basil, marinated mushroom, toasted chick peas; Crispy Calamari with a carmelo dipping sauce; and Kalamata Pizza, made with kalamata olive tapenade, tomatoes, caramelized onion, and blended cheeses

~Insalate: house salad made with organic field greens, herb vinaigrette, and red onions

~Large Plates (choice of): Shrimp Risotto made with baby organic vegetables and basil; Parppardelle Bolognese made with classic meat sauce and parmesan reggiano; Carmelized Onion and Gorgonzola Strucolo made with potato hash, wild mushroom, and grilled fennel; Herb Pine Nut Crusted Lake Superior White Fish made with Italian couscous, spinach, and basil oil; and Chicken Scallopini made with Amish chicken, vermicelli rice, mushrooms, rapini, and marsala sauce. (Vegan vegetable pasta also available upon request.)

~Dessert selections

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Detroit Synergy online store http://www.dsgstore.com/ or can be purchased in cash at the door. You must RSVP to attend this event; email supperclub@detroitsynergy.org with reservation requests or questions. ***Editor's note: Tickets are not available for purchase yet so check in a day or two!***

Angelina Italian Bistro is already a hit amongst Detroit’s most trend-conscious food lovers. A great place both for the food and the socialization, Angelina offers urban chic ambiance paired with some of the most tender yet firm pastas, rich sauces, creative martinis and Michigan-made wines and brews. It was a fast favorite amongst foodies and scenesters alike from the day it opened, and with plenty good reason. Come see it for yourself!

In a Down Economy, Dine!

Has anyone else noticed the disproportionate number of new restaurants that have opened/are opening lately? And I don't just mean in Detroit, but all over the metro area. It's too much for a foodie like me to keep up with! I may need to adopt a "one new restaurant a week" policy...if only I could find someone to pick up the tab (blogger for hire, will work for food).

So here's what's going on:

Ferndale's favorite brunch location Toast has opened an brand-new boutiquey location which also serves dinner and alcohol in Birmingham. Early reviews have been great, and a friend of mine who works there raves about it. What I had seen of the interiors in early September looked promising--very warm, inviting, and arty. The menu also sounds fab.

Hit-or-miss (mostly miss) Andiamo Restaurant Group is extending their quasi-cultural appeal into Mexican cuisine with Rojo Mexican Bistro in Novi. With an extensive (and likely expensive) tequilla menu, it sounds kind of Agave-ish, and all I can say is IT'S ABOUT GODDAMN TIME. And also, why Novi? WHY??????

In Detroit, we all know all about Mercury Coffee Bar. But do we also know about Angelina Italian Bistro? It's a trendy new place best described to me as an "Eye-talian restaurant for Detroit hipsters" (thanks to Supergay for that one, pun on the pronunciation intended). I have a review-ish pending on that one...perhaps One of My Gays will meet me for lunch there tomorrow so I can do it proper-like...hm...must send email...

Also, the Westin Book-Cadillac has brought us Michael Symon's ROAST, now open and already very popular. I, too, enjoy dead things on plates and find its early success no surprise. Soon there will also be Spa 19 24 Grille, which...*sigh.*

Now, what exactly is going on in Dearborn? Maestro's opened in Dearborn's West Village Commons earlier this year, featuring executive chef Liam Collins who has worked in Las Vegas, Mackinac Island and most recently opened the Hotel St. Regis, is owned by Najib Rizk whose record is...questionable. Accusations of illegal activities a la La Cigar (in east Dearborn) and La Shish have been fairly rampant, and the reviews from locals have been mixed (it claims to be Mediterannean/French but seems more Lebanese, based on what Dearborners have said). But it is pretty inside.

Also, Dearborners apparently like sushi, as the downtown west Dearborn business district is about to have more than its fair share of sushi joints. We already know about the ultra-popular and ultra-trendy Crave; now there is also Kabuki Sushi, which has lower prices and more of a "family" (i.e., non-clubber) appeal. This is the second location of owner Michelle Lee's popular Kabuki Sushi; the original is in Farmington Hills. Further west down Michigan Avenue (like, a block) will be the aptly-named Sushi: A Japanese Restaurant. This one is still very much in the early stages of development. So now in less than one mile of Michigan Avenue diners will have no fewer than three different sushi options. Just. In. Case.

Ever wondered what would become of all those empty La Shish locations? A place called Palm Palace will be taking over. It will be exactly the same. Executive chef Jamil Eid is the "foremost expert of Mediterranean cuisine in the Midwest," having traveled all over Africa, Australia, Lebanon, and the US over the past 50 years, developing his culinary style and skills. Mark my words, it will be exactly the same as La Shish. Which is fine, because I rather liked their food.

What else has been happening in Dearborn? The much-buzzed-about opening just yesterday of P.F. Chang's and Bravo Cucina Italiana in the new restaurant plaza in Fairlane Town Center. Neither of which have great food (only varying shades of edible to decent), but both of which now add to my list of "Places I can be one shot and half a vodka martini into my evening less than 10 minutes after leaving work." And for that, I'm thankful. Friday's still has the best happy hour prices, though.

That's all for now. I will continue in my efforts to bring you all dining-related news and gossip, as well as thoughfully snarky restaurant reviews. A blogger's work is never done...